Lot's Wife

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Durham

England

Lot's Wife

Lot's Wife is a prominent coastal feature located in Durham, England. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, forming part of the picturesque Durham Heritage Coastline. The name "Lot's Wife" is derived from a biblical reference, alluding to the story of Lot's wife who was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise up to approximately 50 meters above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, showcasing a variety of colors and textures, including sandstone and limestone.

Lot's Wife is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and hikers. The headland is accessible via a well-maintained footpath that winds its way along the coastal edge, providing breathtaking vistas of the rugged cliffs and the crashing waves below. The area is also renowned for its rich biodiversity, with several species of seabirds nesting on the cliffs, including kittiwakes, fulmars, and razorbills.

In addition to its natural beauty, Lot's Wife holds historical significance. The headland is dotted with remnants of ancient settlements and structures, including Iron Age hillforts and medieval ruins, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past.

Overall, Lot's Wife is a captivating coastal feature that combines breathtaking natural scenery, fascinating history, and a sense of tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Durham Heritage Coastline.

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Lot's Wife Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.978814/-1.3793024 or Grid Reference NZ3965. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Souter Lighthouse

Ann Hodgson

Marsden Rock Bird Sanctuary

I was a novice at bird recognition so won't try to remember the identity of the spots.

Jack Hill

Christmas at Souter

Souter light, Christmas 2004

Mark Richards

Marsden Rock

After the unsafe stack was demolished. The black specks on the top are cormorants who nest there. Kittiwakes and fulmar nest on the side of the rock, but none are visible in this shot.

Susan McGinty

Souter Lighthouse from the East

Now owned by the National Trust the lighthouse was opened in 1871 and was the first to use alternating current which gave much better reliability than direct current. The dark window on the left was an innovation designed to provide a fixed two colour light across Sunderland Bay. Ships would steer along the white sector before turning into the port of Sunderland; if the light turned red they had drifted too close to the rocks.

Mick Garratt

Limekilns, Marsden

dating from the 1870's these kilns provided lime for agriculture and industry. Limestone was quarried behind the kilns using coal from Whitburn Colliery. The kilns operated until the 1960's although the quarries are still operated.

Mick Garratt